Right now, you're probably grasping for any bit of good news. We're doing the same here at THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear. We've been working hard on creating great stories for you, but we're also trying to lighten the mood while working from home by sending each other funny memes, videos, and heartwarming stories via Slack. It's been a tough time for everyone. There's a lot of uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and a general feeling of helplessness out there.
For me, I prefer to counteract every piece of bad news (like how many more cases of COVID-19 there are) with good news (like someone buying groceries for an elderly stranger). Because, yes, while it might seem the bad outweighs the good at this very moment, there are actually a lot of positive things happening, too.
In the hopes of giving you something that might make you smile or make your heart feel a little lighter, we've rounded up some good news that's happened recently. Take a look below. Got something to share? Send us an Instagram DM or comment at @thethirty—we'll be updating this list every week.
John Krasinski Is Hosting His Own Good News Show
We're thinking John Krasinski should host the news from now on. The actor and director debuted "Some Good News" on YouTube, his show that is dedicated to sharing, well, good news from around the world. The first episode also featured an interview/reunion with his Office co-star Steve Carell to mark the 15th anniversary of the show. And this week, Krasinski got the cast of Hamilton to reunite to surprise a mega fan. What epic reunions will happen next?
A Landlord Canceled Rent for His 250 Tenants
According to The New York Times, Brooklyn landlord Mario Salerno canceled rent for the 250 tenants of his 18 apartment buildings. He told the newspaper that he didn't care about losing his rental income for April or how much money he expected to lose.
More People Want to Shelter Animals Right Now
Los Angeles Times reports that shelter and foster organizations nationwide are seeing high interest in fostering and adopting animals. Many people are drawn to the comfort animals can bring during difficult times.
HBO Is Offering Free Streaming (Sort of)
HBO is coming through with more quarantine entertainment. The network is offering free streaming of some movies and TV shows, including fan favorites like Succession, The Sopranos, Veep, and Barry.
Respiratory Therapist Shares How He's Comforting Patients
Because his face was covered in protective gear, respiratory therapist Robertino wore a laminated badge that featured his smiling face in the hopes it would reassure his scared patients.
Matthew McConaughey Is Now a Bingo Caller
All right, all right, all right. This might be a new career path for Matthew McConaughey. The actor and his family hosted a virtual bingo game for residents of a senior living home.
Dolly Parton Is Reading Bedtime Stories
The country legend has a 10-week video series, "Goodnight With Dolly," in which she will read a bedtime story to kids in the hopes that it comforts and reassures them. She's pulling titles from her Imagination Library project. The first book she read was The Little Engine That Could. And even though this one is for kids, we think adults can benefit, too.
Ina Garten Keeps It Real
Ina Garten is not only the queen of the kitchen, but she's pretty much the queen of quarantine, too. The Barefoot Contessa made us all smile and laugh at her gigantic cosmopolitan for cocktail hour. Cheers, Ina. We love you.
Healthcare Workers Continue to Step Up
This Instagram from Southwest Airlines went viral this week, and for good reason. It shows more than a dozen healthcare professionals flying from Atlanta to New York City to help with the outbreak there. And that's not all. Across the country, many retired doctors, nurses, and other medical workers are volunteering to assist. The New York Times has a great article highlighting the stories of some of the people who have signed up here. (Note: It might make you cry. I teared up.)
Quarantine Doesn't Stop Workouts
Just because we're practicing social distancing and spending more time at home doesn't mean our workout routines should be forgotten. Good Morning America brought us this clip of a fitness instructor in Seville, Spain, who taught a workout from a rooftop to people on their balconies.
John Legend and Chris Martin Played Free Concerts
A lot of artists are taking their talents to Instagram and entertaining those of us who are feeling anxious and bored at home with free concerts. John Legend was joined by special guests Chrissy Teigen, Luna, and Miles while he performed. Chris Martin even took requests for Coldplay classics during his Instagram Live concert. Legend tagged Miguel and Charlie Puth to do at-home concerts soon, so we'll be waiting for those!
Tom Hanks Is Doing Okay
That's it. That's the good news.
Update: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have returned to the U.S. after self-isolating in Australia and are now practicing social distancing and sheltering in place.
Stores Are Reserving Times for Vulnerable Customers to Shop
Since shopping for groceries and other essentials can be especially difficult for those who are more susceptible to COVID-19, many stores have designated some morning hours for these shoppers. Target has reserved the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays, and Whole Foods will allow guests 60 and older to shop one hour before the stores open. USA Today has a list of other stores offering similar hours here.
Tour Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, and Other Attractions for Free
Many institutions might be closed right now, but that doesn't mean you can't get your culture on while you're social distancing. A ton of museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums have set up virtual exhibits or shows. CNN has a great roundup of participating attractions here.
People Are Still Visiting Their Loved Ones While Taking Safe Measures
The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups right now, as they are more susceptible to developing more serious cases of COVID-19. Many of their loved ones have taken to some creative means to visit them in nursing homes while maintaining enough distance to be safe, like this man who celebrated his 67th wedding anniversary with his wife by standing outside her window with this sign.
Virtual Dance Parties Are a Thing Now
Honestly, why did we bother going to clubs when we could have been dancing at home in front of our webcams? Professional dancer Mark Kanemura hosts Instagram Live dance parties daily at 2 p.m. PT.
People Are Helping the Vulnerable
I went to the grocery store this afternoon. As I was walking in I heard a woman yell to me from her car. I walked over and found an elderly woman and her husband. She cracked her window open a bit more, and explained to me nearly in tears that they are afraid to go in the store.March 12, 2020
This tweet thread went viral and shows that there are good people in the world. One woman helped an elderly couple buy groceries because they were afraid to go inside the store. This just warms my heart.
Next: 25 Little Things You Can Do for Yourself and Others Right Now
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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